The next boat ride was not quite as luxurious. It started out great, with a nearly empty boat. I had my own bench and could stretch out and fully take in the scenery. Not for long. By the time we reached Bhamo, the boat was stacked full of people and possessions, heading to town for the weekend. The boat only got stuck on sandbars twice though, and it was a relatively quick journey, so it could have been a lot worse, from what I’ve heard.
Bhamo only has two hotels that are licensed for foreigners, but they were on the other end of the...